6 Things You Should Know About Inflatable Kayaks

If you are considering buying an inflatable kayak there are some very important things to consider before purchasing one. This is a big investment, and you can sink a lot of money into a kayak, only to find that you didn’t get what you wanted or that it suffered damage because you didn’t know how to use it.

No worries. We have some great tips on things that you should know about inflatable kayaks so that you can get the most out of your purchase and also get the most out of your adventures while using it.

Stay away from sharp rocks

This is one of the most important things that you should know about inflatable kayaks. No matter how durable it is built and no matter how tough the manufacturer claims that it is, never bump into sharp rocks or other obstacles in the water. It doesn’t matter how well it was made, chances are you are going to puncture your kayak and end your good time. You would be surprised at how many people get careless because they believe that their kayak can handle everything. It can’t. Just stay away from sharp rocks and other things that can pierce your kayak.

Make sure you actually know how to use a kayak

You might be surprised at how many people buy a kayak and have no experience using one. And this leads to all sorts of problems. We already covered running into sharp rocks, but there are other things that can go wrong if you have no experience. You might find yourself unable to keep control of your kayak in rough waters, or you may even end up in the water yourself because you didn’t know how to get into it properly. Get familiar with a kayak before you invest a lot of money into one.

Know what conditions you will be using it in

The water conditions that you will be using your kayak in will determine what kind you need to buy. Do you want to kayak solo or paddle with another person? Do you plan to use it in calm waters or rapids? Will it face extreme heat from the sun or moderate? Basically, determine how you will use it so that you can buy the one that is best for your situation.

Even inflatables require storage space

Inflatable kayaks are great because they store compactly. However, depending on the size of the inflatable kayak, it can still take up a considerable amount of space. They don’t all fit into a suitcase-sized package. be aware of what size it folds down to when not inflated. If you want something that is easy to transport.

You will sacrifice speed when buying an inflatable kayak

You should be aware that an inflatable kayak is not as fast as a hard shell kayak. Due to their design, they don’t sit as low in the water, so they don’t cut through the water as naturally. However, what you lose in speed, you make up for in convenience and stability.

Inflatables are not as narrow as hard shell kayaks. So just be aware that they can’t get into tight spaces the way a hard shell can. But again, you are getting extra stability, so it’s a trade-off.

These are all things to be aware of when it comes to inflatable kayaks. Just keeping these things in mind will help you to get a great kayak and enjoy it for a long time. And now that you have these tips, maybe it’s time to buy one. Gadget Review’s buying guide has more info.

About The Author

David Nash

Dave Nash served 6 years in active duty in the US Marines, and is in his 18th year of state service. During his career he worked in both State Emergency Management and Corrections. Currently he is a Corrections Academy Instructor. Additionally David is an NRA Training Counselor and author of 10 different books relating to self reliance.